Server · The Digital Hub · 2002
Xserve
Apple’s serious bid for the data centre: a 1U rack server running Mac OS X Server, later joined by the Xserve RAID. A niche but capable product, retired in 2011.
Apple’s first and only rack-mount server.
Xserve G5 (2004)
Xserve: key facts
When was the Xserve released?
The Xserve arrived on May 14, 2002. Apple discontinued it in January 2011.
How much did the Xserve cost?
The Xserve launched at $2,999 in 2002, about $5,338 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC G4 (later Intel Xeon) at 1 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 58.6 GB storage, Headless (rack server) display.
Why does the Xserve matter?
Apple’s first and only rack-mount server.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC G4 (later Intel Xeon) · 1 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 256 MB (up to 2 GB) |
| Storage | 58.6 GB |
| Display | Headless (rack server) |
| GPU | Optional |
| Ports | Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, USB |
| Weight | 13 kg |
| Dimensions | 1U rack-mount |
| Operating system | Mac OS X Server 10.1 |
| Released | May 14, 2002 |
| Discontinued | January 2011 |
| Launch price | $2,999 |
How the Xserve compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 64× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 1 GHz, the clock is roughly 3.2× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 15,000 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $2,999 in 2002, about $5,338 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
When Apple killed it, it suggested customers rack-mount Mac Pros or minis instead.
Related Server models
Open the Xserve in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11